535. We talk to Christopher M. Finan about his book, How Free Speech Saved Democracy. "Free speech is not an obstacle to change: it is the way change happens... To those who see free speech as a threat to democracy, Finan offers engaging evidence from a long and sometimes challenging history of free speech in America to show how free speech has been essential to expanding democracy. From the beginning of American history, free speech has been used to advocate for change. In the 19th century, abolitionists, advocates for women’s rights, and leaders of the labor movement had to fight for free speech. In the 20th century, the civil rights and anti-war movements expanded free speech, creating a shield for every protest movement we see today" (Finan). This week in Louisiana history. August 11, 1856. A hurricane kills more than 200 people vacationing at Isle Derniere (Last Island). This week in New Orleans history. The Big Easy television series, inspired by the film of the same name from 1987. premiered on the USA Cable Network August 11, 1996. Tony Crane played New Orleans police detective lieutenant Remy McSwain, Susan Walters played state district attorney Anne Osbourne and Barry Corbin played police chief C.D. LeBlanc. Daniel Petrie Jr. (who wrote the screenplay to the film) was the executive producer of the series. 35 episodes were broadcast over two seasons. The series takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana and was shot on location. This week in Louisiana. North Toledo Bend State Park 2907 North Toledo Park Road Zwolle, LA 71486 1-318-645-4715 1-888-677-6400 Website toledobend@crt.la.gov Daily hours 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Located on Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the country's largest man-made reservoirs, North Toledo Bend State Park provides a venue for a wide variety of water-related activities in a pleasant environment. And for land-based activities, more than 900 acres are available for camping, picnicking, hiking, and relaxing in the heart of nature. Available day-use facilities include a meeting room which can be reserved for group functions, a full size swimming pool with restrooms for the summer season, and a laundry with all the conveniences for a long or short stay in the park. Nearby are entrances to two hiking/biking trails - a 1.5-mile loop and a more demanding 4-mile loop. A boat launch with a double ramp, a large parking lot, boat rentals, and a fish cleaning station, provides access to the reservoir. Organizations associated with the Toledo Bend Reservoir host numerous freshwater fishing competitions which attract fishermen from around the country. Fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, and relaxing – all of these activities and more are yours to enjoy at North Toledo Bend State Park. Postcards from Louisiana. Rug Cutters at the Favela Chic Bar on Frenchmen. Listen on